Chris Oldroyd’s most-used accessories of 2011

When I was asked to put together a list of my most-used accessories of 2011, it got me thinking that I actually don't use very many accessories at all. In total I have four that I use on a regular basis. Here's a little bit about each one and why they are special to me.

Brodit iPhone 4S mount

There are a large variety of car mounts for the iPhone but Brodit from Sweden has been my number one mounting solution for the last ten years. It is an incredible mount that works beautifully. It comes in two parts, a Proclip that is specific to the make and model of car you own. They are available for different mounting positions within your car, you choose where you want your device and buy the Proclip to suit. Installing it is simple, no drilling or damage to your car interior, each clip is designed to be pushed into position and held in place by your cars dashboard surround.

Once you have the Proclip installed, the Brodit mount screws into that and it is a really secure fit. The mounts are available in different configurations, some come with a 12V car plug, some with pass through connectors and some as just passive mounts. Whichever one you choose, it will be precision made, lined with soft padding and will fit perfectly. If you want a car mount, don't bother with any other!

Kensington LiquidAUX For iPhone And iPod

Of the many car audio interfaces for iPhone, the Kensington LiguidAUX is my favorite. My VW Passatt has a 3.5mm input for an iPod or iPhone but I really dislike having a charger in the bottom of my iPhone and another cable coming out of the 3.5mm jack. To get round this, I use a Kensington LiquidAUX. This doubles as a car charger but also takes the audio from the dock connector and transfers that to a 3.5mm input for your car stereo. This give you the flexibility to make all the cabling in your car much neater all round. The Kensington LiquidAUX also comes with a small remote control that you can fix to your steering wheel. This gives you the ability to skip tracks and play and pause without your hands leaving the wheel. It's hard to find now, so if anyone knows of something similar, let me know in the comments.

iPhone 4S dock

iPhone docks are essential. When my iPhone 4S isn't in my hand, it will be in its dock at the side of my bed, that's where it charges and syncs all my data to iCloud during the night. I have tried third party docks and none are as nice as the Apple dock. Yes it is expensive but you only get what you pay for. It feels solid, it fits perfectly and looks beautiful.

Marware CEO Hybrid for iPad 2

I hate cases and refuse to have one on my iPhone 4S, unfortunatley the iPad 2 gets lot more rough treatment by my 2 year old so a case is a must for this. I considered many options but the Marware CEO Hybrid stood out for a few different reasons.

First off is the fact that it works like an Apple Smart Cover, when you open it, the screen turns on. Secondly, it covers all areas of the device, it isn't the slimmest case in the world, but it protects all angles. I have dropped it a few times on the road outside of my house and the case took the damage and the iPad 2 is perfect. The final reason is how it looks, a carbon fibre look, black and sexy. It really makes your iPad 2 look the part!

Chris Oldroyd’s most-used accessories of 2011

Put the first proclip in my car then my wife's 2 weeks later - she just told me it's one of the best things ever. Puts the phone in the best place to see and make one touch calls from. Won't be without this on future cars!

Great article, thanks.
Here's another idea for a car mount. You're almost certainly not using the CD slot when using your iPhone. The Mountec fits in that slot and holds the iPhone really nicely. $20 direct or through Amazon.
You really don't need to pay $165 for a charger/aux cable. I got a no-name 30pin to USB+3.5mm Y-cable from Amazon for $5. A lighter socket USB adapter costs another $8.

I have a dash mount for my 2006 Honda civic, with a " double T" connector on it that allows for swivel.
The mount came from proclip.
Then from Arkon I picked up a universal holder that worked back when I had a droid1, and still worked perfect when I got a Verizon iphone4. it works with a case on it. It's called "slim-grip" holds any phone securely.
Proclip is great but expensive once your get the 2 parts together.
I've used proclip products since 2005.
Between Arkon and ProClip, if they don't have it you don't need it.
I believe proclip is known as Brodit in Canada.

Used to have the Kensington LiquidAux Deluxe (combined the one above with a mount from the lighter socket). The mount broken fairly quickly and the batteries in that remote don't last more than 2 weeks.
In the end I went with this option from Griffin (The Aux cable plugs into the adapter, not the iPhone, so there is still only one iPhone connection):http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SX0O34/ref=oho04s00i02details
So far the connection from that has been great and the plug even fits the Apple bumper.
As for a mount, I looked into ProClip but decided it was too expensive and went with this cupholder mount:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JTWRN8/ref=oho04s00i01details
It holds the iPhone rock steady, but instead of holding it firmly it cradles the phone which makes it easy to set down and pick up. The only downside of course is the low position.

Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I've really loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write once more soon!

We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable activity and our whole group can be thankful to you.